Former Melita and Ħamrun Spartans coach Steve D’Amato yesterday filled the vacant job at Premier League strugglers Mosta after the Blues had parted ways with Oliver Spiteri following a mutual agreement that was reached earlier in the week.

Mosta are playing in their first Premier League campaign after a lapse of five years. Their pre-season target was to secure their place in the top-flight for another season.

The start, however, was anything but encouraging following a series of poor results that left them anchored to the bottom of the table.

D’Amato started the season as technical adviser at Qormi FC after his almost three-year coaching stint at Ħamrun Spartans was terminated in May.

He is relishing the new challenge and joined up with his new team for his first training session yesterday.

“This was the first time in almost 16 years that I did not start a season as coach with a local club,” he said.

“Now, I’m happy to get back into business at Mosta but I also have to thank Qormi for giving me an opportunity to join them as technical adviser in summer. They knew that my wish was to resume with my coaching again and when I discussed the matter with the committee they did not hinder me from my new move.”

In their last outing, Mosta looked heading for victory against Floriana after opening a two-goal lead before half-time.

However, the Blues’ resistance collapsed dramatically on the changeover as the Greens clinched a 3-2 victory with practically the last kick of the game.

That eighth upset was the last straw that broke the camel’s back as Mosta and Spiteri decided to go separate ways as various diver-gencies started cropping up.

Team’s potential

D’Amato is optimistic that Mosta can turn the season around.

“Oliver Spiteri did a very good job at Mosta but results did not go their way and the team was unlucky in some matches,” D’Amato, who has signed an 18-month contract, said.

“However, we have to move ahead and start thinking about the future.

“I’m confident Mosta can avoid relegation. Had it been different I would not have accepted their offer. There’s potential in this team, good enough to fight and save our season.”

D’Amato will make his debut on Sunday when Mosta take on Marsa-xlokk at the Tedesco Stadium in a league match.

Spiteri is the fourth coach to lose his job in the Premier League this season after Patrick Curmi (ex-Birkirkara), Winston Muscat (ex-Marsaxlokk) and Noel Coleiro (ex-Tarxien).